Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

From Nana’s Famous Egg Dish to Spiced Sangria and Bourbon Pecan Pie, these are our favorite holiday recipes that we enjoy every Christmas!

‘Tis the season for all of the festive eats and drinks. We’ve been enjoying this cozy week at home cooking our favorite holiday recipes and getting ready for the Christmas weekend

While most of the time I aim to eat nourishing recipes with greens and protein and fresh wholesome ingredients (like these spa cuisine recipes), I like to live by the 80/20 perspective, allowing plenty of space for special treats. I’m also a big believer of enjoying holidays, special food, and time spent together.

We have several traditional-to-us recipes that make an appearance on our table during the holiday season year after year; like it’s tradition to have Alton Brown’s Overnight Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning while opening presents. From brunch casseroles to spiced sangria and Ina’s rib roast, I’m sharing our favorite holiday recipes – enjoy!

Nana’s Famous Egg Dish

This egg casserole is perfect for any brunch or holiday celebrations. It freezes beautifully to make ahead and tastes amazing with pico de gallo salsa.

Madre’s famous Grammie recipe

Oh, you have to try Madre’s Famous Grammie Recipe! It’s the perfect holiday dessert – a delicious cookie bar that will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be begging for the recipe.

Greens Beans with Goat Cheese, Almonds & Cranberries

These green beans are bright and fresh, with creamy goat cheese, orange zest, crunchy slivered almonds, and sweet cranberries. The recipe is gluten-free and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.

Dairy-Free Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Oh boy, do I have a delicious dairy-free recipe for you! This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is perfect for a holiday meal and will please even the non-dairy eaters at the table. Trust me, it’s so full of flavor that you won’t even miss the cheese.

The Ultimate Fall & Winter Salad

This salad is a fall dream come true. It has butternut squash, spicy arugula, a tangy vinaigrette, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese. It’s perfect for any holiday gatherings or parties and makes a veggie-packed side dish. My vegetarian friends can easily omit the chicken and it’s just as delicious without it.

The Best Raw Chocolate Tart

This raw chocolate tart, made with cashews and cocoa and an almond coconut crust is a decadent gluten-free dessert that doesn’t require any cooking!

Holiday Spice Sangria

Holiday spice sangria! It’s made in advance of any holiday soirees, and the flavors just get better over the span of a few days. It’s perfect to take to parties, as it’s a fun switch-up from the usual bottle of vino.

Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine

Warm up with a pot of Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine recipe, a mix of apple cider and red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves and orange.

Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast

Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast with mustard horseradish is often our centerpiece at a holiday party. It’s a crowd favorite.

Ina’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

Another favorite from Ina. Chocolate, bourbon, and pecans—what’s not to love? I’ve made this twice this year already and plan to make it again on Saturday.

Our Christmas Weekend Menu

Here’s what our menu looks like this year:

Christmas Eve

Ah, dinner at your dad’s house sounds like a fiesta of flavors and festive treats! A Mexican food buffet is a surefire way to spice up the holiday season, with delicious tacos, tamales, and enchiladas dancing on your taste buds. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – your Aunt’s famous egg nog! That creamy, velvety concoction has the power to transport you to a winter wonderland with just one sip. And of course, what’s a holiday meal without an array of mouthwatering desserts? Indulge in an assortment of sweet delights, from traditional favorites like flan and churros to decadent creations like tres leches cake. With such a feast, your dad’s house is truly an epicurean paradise.

Christmas Brunch:

Nana’s egg casserole
Alton Brown’s cinnamon rolls
Bacon or ham (I haven’t decided yet)
Tamales and beans (from madre!)

Dinner on Christmas Day:

Cheese board and artichoke dip with crackers
Mediterranean chopped salad
Smoked turkey on the Traeger
Stuffing and gravy
Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
Cheesy potatoes (madre)
Fresh sourdough
Bourbon pecan pie + dessert platter (tons of different cookies and candies)
Mulled wine, egg nog, and champagne

It should be a very good, and very tasty, weekend ahead 😉

Enjoy your holiday get-togethers with some of the great holiday recipes!

Well, folks, we’ve come to the end of our mouthwatering journey through our favorite Christmas meals. We’ve covered everything from juicy turkeys to creamy mashed potatoes, and let’s not forget the underrated champs of the holiday table – Brussels sprouts! Remember, don’t let their little cabbagy appearance fool you – these bad boys pack a punch of vitamins and fiber. And of course, no festive feast would be complete without a show-stopping cheese ball. Whether it’s tangy, herb-packed, or smothered in nuts, this crowd-pleasing treat is sure to steal the spotlight. So go forth, my friends, and let these culinary delights make your Christmas merry and delicious!

See you tomorrow with a new podcast episode!

Gina